Advice from Annie Lane.
My only brother is 70, two years younger than me. We’ve not been close or communicating for months. I still resent his failure to acknowledge my marriage years ago. He was not present at my wedding, nor did he even send a greeting card. He missed out on all the formative years of my three children, never attending their events. He lives in Florida with his third wife with no children. I have no desire to reconnect with him and consider him a loser.
My question is whether you have a suggested response that conveys “no” without saying “sorry”? I feel very weird apologizing for not giving money to these people who I have a very specific reason to not give money to, but “sorry” is the only response I have observed from family, friends and co-workers when out and about.
You might consider getting involved in community affairs or local politics, where homelessness has become a major issue, not just in the state you live in but across the nation.Annie Lane offers common-sense solutions to everyday problems. She's firm, funny and sympathetic, echoing the style of her biggest inspiration, Ann Landers. She lives outside Manhattan with her husband, two kids and two dogs. When not writing, she devotes her time to play dates and Play-Doh.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dear Annie: I need boundaries with my boyfriend’s momAdvice from Annie Lane.
Read more »
Dear Annie: I can’t do anything for my friend without her ‘evening the score’ with a reciprocal giftAdvice from Annie Lane.
Read more »
Dear Annie: I have a crush on my wife’s sisterAdvice from Annie Lane.
Read more »
Dear Annie: I’m struggling to feel an emotional or physical connection to my husbandAdvice from Annie Lane.
Read more »
Dear Annie: Making peace with family estrangementAdvice from Annie Lane.
Read more »
Dear Annie: What are my rights as an adopted child?Advice from Annie Lane.
Read more »